The general counsel of the National Labor Relations Board...ruled that McDonald’s...qualifies as a joint employer of workers at its franchise restaurant locations...The ruling came in response to 181 unfair labor practice complaints...which accused McDonald’s of retaliating against workers who took part in organized activity. The ruling could spell potential upheaval for the fast food industry, which for decades has largely operated under the franchise structure...McDonald’s said...that it relies on the franchising model to “run successful businesses["]...But ever since fast food workers started pressing for a $15 per hour wage...McDonald’s and other chains have also used the system to skirt responsibility amid outrage over low worker pay, claiming that they don’t set worker wages; franchise owners do....Tuesday’s directive weakens that defense...[T]he fast food worker movement is also seeking the right to organize...